Controversy Over Alabama's CFP Ranking Over Miami

The College Football Playoff (CFP) committee's decision to rank Alabama over Miami has sparked significant controversy, with Miami feeling unjustly edged out despite a stronger record. Miami, ranked 12th with a 10-2 record, was surpassed by Alabama, ranked 11th with a 9-3 record, due to Alabama's superior performance against top-25 teams and a better strength of schedule. The ACC's Jim Phillips and Miami's AD Dan Radakovich have criticized the decision, highlighting Miami's narrower losses and stronger finish compared to Alabama's. Meanwhile, Alabama's inclusion in the playoffs seems likely regardless of the ACC Championship outcomes, indicating a potential SEC favoritism perceived by some. Miami's season will now likely conclude with a bowl game against BYU in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, reflecting a stark decline from their previous playoff aspirations. Analysts predict that Alabama's brand and past success may contribute to their playoff inclusion, despite head-to-head and current season performance factors.